Scannable Token-Efficient Writing

Overview

MECHANISM skill for chat output formatting. Teaches HOW to write scannably (formatting patterns), complements CEO hook (WHEN to be brief) and elements-of-style (prose quality).

Core principle: Front-load decisions, use progressive disclosure, eliminate narrative filler.

When to Use

Chat output:

• Status updates, options presentation, error explanations
• Complex topics that risk verbosity

Design doc sections:

• Problem/Solution/Overview sections → scannable, concise
• Structure summaries → bullets + diagrams

Comprehensive detail appropriate for:

• Implementation pseudocode, data contracts, testing strategy
• Technical debt documentation, whiteboard sections

Token Warning

Loads ~2,000 word reference. Use when output optimization is critical.

Reference

See formatting-reference.md for:

• Content-Type Decision Matrix
• Front-loading and visual hierarchy patterns
• Token reduction techniques
• Before/after examples
• Red flags checklist